FUNDAMENTAL STUDIES OF THE CESIUM ARC-MODE THERMIONIC CONVERTER.
Abstract
An experimental study was made using optical and electrical techniques relating to the fundamental processes associated with the high-pressure (similar to 1/2 - 2 torr), low-voltage cesium arc thermionic converter. Seven different optical methods were employed. Impurities present in the cesium vapor were analyzed by means of a mass spectrometer and the effects of gas additives were investigated. Hydrogen gas is the most damaging impurity since it causes an increase in the electron temperature and participates in hydrocarbon synthesis. A theory of the arc-mode operation was developed based on the optical results. The predicted IV-curve was in good agreement with the experimental results. The measured electron temperatures were in the 1750 - 2200 K range. A discussion of the ionization mechanism is given: Ionization by cumulative processes involving excited molecular cesium molecules is favored from an energy standpoint. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0410984
Entities
People
- Fred M. Johnson
Organizations
- RCA Corporation